US federal agency regulating interstate electricity, natural gas, and oil transport
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.
Legislation to make AI data centers pay for grid upgrades has stalled after a Senate objection, while House supporters say the measure is a modest step to shield ratepayers from higher bills amid rising AI infrastructure costs.
A bipartisan permitting deal has moved toward passage in a lame-duck session, aiming to accelerate energy and infrastructure projects while preserving environmental safeguards. The measure would require data centers to cover grid upgrades they necessitate and would speed reviews under major environmental laws. The White House backs quick passage amid broad industry support, though final hurdles remain as midterms loom.